Style Pick of the Week: JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Thick-knit and ready for all kinds of cold weather -- the JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan.

Thick-knit and ready for all kinds of cold weather — the JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan. Denim tote bag also by JackThreads. Roughout Captain Leather Boots by Thursday Boot Company.

So how was your Christmas? Did you get any snow in your neck of the woods? Things were quite warm here in Florida, and not a snowflake in sight. But that doesn’t mean I’m not prepped for a cold spell once I head back to NYC. As it gets deeper and deeper into winter, you can certainly expect more and more of these weekly Style Pick features to cover cold-weather essentials. That’s where something exceptionally sturdy and durable like the JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan is going to come in handy. It’s yet another item that the site’s new menswear vertical seems to do so well, and at a really solid pricepoint, too. If you’re not familiar, JT relaunched this past fall with a revamped Web site and its own collection of #menswear essentials, ranging from soft tees to affordably priced cashmere sweaters (those are going for an astounding $69 right now — keep an eye out for more later this winter). So given the mission they’ve set out to achieve — outfitting the discerning style aficionado at a great price — I’m a big fan. Throw in the fact that the Fisherman Cardigan is thick-knit, super-warm and way stylish, and you have a surefire winner in my book. Some might not like the fact that it’s 70 percent acrylic to 30 percent wool, but the blend doesn’t feel cheap or scratchy. Besides, what’s important is how it can be styled!

If Heather Grey isn't your speed, the Fisherman Cardigan also comes in what the brand calls Medium Blue.

If Heather Grey isn’t your speed, the Fisherman Cardigan also comes in what the brand calls Medium Blue.

As I’ve written before and will no doubt write on more in the future, the shawl-collar cardigan strikes the right balance between a style curveball — you’re wearing a cardigan after all — and a rugged style essential. The shawl collar itself adds visual interest, while the thick knit is a great textural play. In the versatile Heather Grey seen here, it can be paired seamlessly with a tough long-sleeve henley, or over a chambray shirt and dark denim — and the Medium Blue as seen above would also be a solid choice. You could even layer it under a brown wool blazer if it gets especially cold. And at the price of this JackThreads cardigan (just a hair over $52), you can wear it again and again without treating it too preciously. I myself have worn this bad boy over a twill CPO shirt and indigo henley for a night exploring Brooklyn, and my only other layer was a scarf — it’s that warm. It’s the exact right kind of style to anchor a sturdy weekend outfit — captoe boots and raw denim definitely come to mind. With the neutral color, a slim fit (a Medium fits my frame just right) and that eyecatching texture, it’s a cardigan that’s more than ready to brave the cold no matter where your adventures take you this winter.

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Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Fall and Winter Sweaters

Editor’s note: For more Online Shopping Picks than your credit card can possibly handle, click here.

Just one sweater style you could throw on this season. Cardigan & shirt by Frank & Oak. Glasses by Warby Parker. Braided leather belt by Target Merona.

Just one sweater style you could throw on this season. Cardigan & shirt by Frank & Oak. Glasses by Warby Parker.

It seems we’ve had a bevy of Online Shopping Picks posts on this site in the past few weeks, simply because there’s so much standout fall product cramming store (and digital) shelves now. And, transitioning from the hot days of summer into the cooler days of fall & winter can happen rather suddenly — case in point: It was sunny and about 70 degrees in Brooklyn not too long ago, and now I’m fighting off the chilly fall rain; time to stock up on fall gear, and quick. So picking up a standout sweater or two would be a wise move. This latest Online Shopping Picks doesn’t focus on one style, like V-neck sweaters, and it doesn’t necessarily make the distinction between sweaters you might want to dress up and ones you want to dress down — although a V-neck sweater can certainly do both, as I noted in this throwback Effortless Gent post. The picks below, on the other hand, run the gamut of styles, brands and price points, all while bringing good versatility — so hopefully, you find one (or two, or heck, three) options that catch your fancy. And for a complete sweater hierarchy, head to Dappered in the meantime. Let me know if I missed any stellar selections in the comments below!

#1. Uniqlo Cotton-Cashmere V-neck Sweater — $29.90

A classic color and a can't-beat-it price.

A classic color and a can’t-beat-it price.

As with most Uniqlo products, it seems there might not be a better value for a sweater on the market in terms of price and quality than this V-neck sweater (although a budget brand like J. Crew Factory is also worth a look). But there are certainly some positives to this Uniqlo number aside from the price. It features a fit that’s likely quite slim, and the cotton-cashmere fabric should actually have a hint of stretch to it. It’s also available in a plethora of colors (every option but those Orange or Light Green picks should do very well this fall). And the price simply can’t be beat!

#2. H&M Wool-Blend Sweater — $19.90

Two bold chest stripes and a deep navy color helped this sweater land at No. 2 on this list.

Two bold chest stripes and a deep navy color helped this sweater land at No. 2 on this list.

Have you caught wind yet of the Fall 2015 version of David Beckham’s Modern Essentials collection for H&M? If the product is anything like the spring offering, it should be a well-curated collection of both tailored and casual wear with a continental edge. And that wool-blend sweater just might be the best of the bunch. It’s a got a noir-ish vibe to it thanks to the dark navy color, and the chest stripe provides enough contrast that it should still pair well with dark blue denim. A chest stripe is always a nice touch on a sweater, as it can accentuate your build. And it’s the kind of piece that be paired with something as casual as a chambray jogger or as dressy as some light grey trousers and a white Oxford. Again, the price is an absolute highlight (although it’s best to pay close attention to how you wash it, as it could shrink – this is H&M, after all).

#3. Grayers Avalon Cardigan — $125

A shawl cardigan and soft fabric make this a nice high-low piece.

A shawl cardigan and soft fabric make this a nice high-low piece.

Here, we’re jumping right from affordable, versatile pieces to a chunky shawl cardigan that leans more casual in nature – and is definitely more expensive. That could turn some away from it, but this Grayers cardigan still has a lot going for it. It’s an in-between shade of grey-blue that meshes nicely with some navy trousers (as modeled by my friend Clay of Brothers & Craft on the Grayers site). It looks like it’ll be thick, warm and comfortable, too – the type of sweater to throw on for casual weekend errands or a casual Friday on the job with some dark denim (you could even throw it together with some tweed trousers and a blue Oxford for a high-low work week look). And any way you style it, a shawl cardigan is an excellent piece to convey tough, rugged style – a la everyone’s personal favorite, James Bond.

#4. Todd Snyder Classic Pocket Sweatshirt in Olive — $98

A pricey basic that remains a great investment.

A pricey basic that remains a great investment.

This is, again, a decidedly casual sweater that won’t be for everyone – after all, it is just a crewneck sweater, yes? Well, not quite. Todd Snyder’s been pumping out reliably well-fitting, well-made updates to sportswear classics for a few years now and his crewneck sweatshirts are always a hit. They fit slim, incorporate small details like that chest pocket and come in versatile colors, like this olive option here, which will do well to dress down grey denim, wingtip boots and perhaps a chambray shirt and navy knit tie. If splurging on a crewneck sweatshirt isn’t your bag, Old Navy offers similar styles for much, much cheaper.

#5. JACHS NY Light Grey Merino Wool Cardigan — $125

The ideal type of sweater to get you through fall, with some on-trend elbow patches, to boot. Short-sleeve henley by Pistol Lake. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

This cardigan was first seen here as a Style Pick of the Week just last week, and it’s the kind of sweater to buy now, wear now and keep in your rotation through fall (and likely into winter). The merino wool is surprisingly lightweight and breathable, while that light grey color provides some good versatility (pair it with everything from navy corduroys to olive chinos). Because it’s lightweight, that’ll make it a bit more of a tricky play in winter, though. The elbow patches, on another note, are a neat styling touch that seems to have come back into play across the menswear board. The price is another matter for most of us, but maybe it’s a pre-fall splurge. Or, you could pick up a solid handful of multi-colored V-neck sweaters from a place like Uniqlo and call it good.

Florsheim

Sorting through such an assortment of sweaters proved fairly difficult, what with lots of brands, fabrics and styles. As always, J. Crew did an excellent job with its sweater offerings this fall, particularly this lambswool colorblock number. Brands like Old Navy and even Target’s Merona line ($8.74 per sweater!) absolutely shouldn’t be pushed off to the side, either. And if you can make the trip into a physical retail location, it’s worth it to swing through Express for a look at the brand’s V-neck sweaters, which fit slim and (when free of that lion logo) are quite comfortable & affordable when on-sale. And if you fancy yourself a sweater addict (again, *raises hand*) picking up a few of these styles will leave you well-set for this fall and winter … and the next.

Which of the above picks will you be snagging for the season? Any styles or brands that you think are worth a look?

Ben Sherman US

Ernest Alexander